NJ Labor Department announces $3.5 million grant for employers to train incumbent frontline workers
NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced $3.5 million in available funding through the UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant to help employers further train existing workers.
The funds will be competitively awarded to employers within the Garden State to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of training incumbent, frontline employees to meet current and future occupational skill requirements of available high-wage, middle- and high-skill jobs.
“During this unprecedented time, our top priority is to continue investing in our workforce,” said Governor Phil Murphy said. “This critical funding will lay the foundation – through intensive training and support for employers – to ensure New Jersey workers have the skills needed to meet the demands of 21st century jobs and for employers to fill their talent needs.”
“It is crucial to provide ongoing training to our existing workers to keep their skills relevant, which enhances their career success while giving our employers a competitive edge. I am pleased we are able to offer this vital funding to help our workforce thrive, especially during these difficult times,” Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said.
Applications are being accepted from individual employers, employer organizations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and industry-specific consortiums. Individual employers may apply for a maximum $100,000, while industry-specific consortiums may apply for a maximum of $150,000.
Grant funds are intended to achieve measurable outcomes for employers and employees trained, to “seed” occupational skills training, and to support businesses in retaining workers and maintaining a presence in New Jersey.
Funding may be used for remote training as necessary, with acceptable documentation. The grants are not intended to supplement any training that would otherwise occur without grant assistance, such as annual or onboarding training.
For more information, including application submission deadlines, please read the full notice of grant opportunity here.
To learn more about all NJDOL grant opportunities, click here.
